Latest news with #ACD
Bangkok Post
a day ago
- Bangkok Post
Defrocked monks face criminal investigation
Thai police have called for monastic action against senior monks implicated in the 'Sika Golf' sex scandal, amid a rise in misconduct cases and apparent attempts to evade investigation. Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat Pankaew, deputy commissioner of the Cybercrime Investigation Bureau (CIB), made the request during a meeting with senior monks at Wat Trai Mit Witthayaram in Bangkok. The meeting aimed to address growing concerns over high-ranking monks engaging in serious monastic disciplinary violations, particularly illicit relationships with a woman who has come to be known as Sika Golf (Sika is a title used for a woman who is associated with a monk, usually as a lay devotee). Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat sought the cooperation of Somdet Phra Phutthachan, the abbot of Wat Trai Mit Witthayaram and a member of the Sangha Council, in issuing letters summoning the implicated monks to clarify their monastic status. Authorities need the information to determine who has already been disrobed and who has not — a step necessary for the investigation. The move comes amid unconfirmed reports that some senior monks, including abbots and assistant abbots of well-known temples, have privately disrobed or fled their temples to avoid scrutiny. Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat said the abbot agreed with the police request. At least four monks have fled their temples without disrobing in an attempt to escape law enforcement, according to media reports. Following the meeting, Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat joined in the interrogation of Phra Kru Siriwiriyathada, former assistant abbot of Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan — one of the monks implicated — at the office of the police Anti-Corruption Division (ACD). He was summoned for questioning regarding leaked videos and photos on social media featuring him and Ms Golf, as well as alleged money transfers to her, potentially involving temple funds. The investigation will determine whether any criminal offences were committed. 'I can confirm the ACD is urgently investigating the matter to uncover the truth,' said Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat. Police intelligence suggests that senior monks from at least 15 major temples in Bangkok and other provinces had relationships with Ms Golf, with eight having already been disrobed. The scandal came to light last week following the seizure of over 80,000 images and videos from five mobile phones belonging to Ms Golf during a search of on her house in Nonthaburi on July 4.
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Enhanced revenue collection, economic growth: FBR introduces substantial amendments to Customs Act, 1969
LAHORE: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has introduced substantial amendments to the Customs Act, 1969, as part of the Finance Act 2025. These changes aim to enhance revenue collection, streamline import and export processes, and promote economic growth. The 2025 amendments to duty rates bring significant changes across multiple sectors — from textiles and electronics to building materials, automobiles, and beyond. Key changes included Cargo Tracking System (CTS), tariff rationalisation, reduction in Additional Customs Duty (ACD) rates, Regulatory Duty (RD) Regime, exemption regime, and sector-specific changes. So far as CTS is concerned, a new section 83C has been added to the Customs Act, 1969, introducing CTS to monitor imports, exports, and transit goods. The system will be implemented once the necessary technological infrastructure is developed. On the tariff rationalisation front, new tariff slabs of 5%, 10%, and 15% have been introduced, while existing slabs of 3%, 11%, and 16% have been abolished. The 0% tariff slab has been extended to further 916 PCT codes. Similarly, Additional Customs Duty (ACD) rates have been reduced on various tariff slabs, including 0%, 5%, and 10%, with some exceptions. In addition, Regulatory Duty (RD) rates have been revised downward on 1011 PCT codes, with a maximum rate reduction from 90% to 50%. On the front of exemption regime, 479 entries in Part-1, Part-III, and Part-VII of the Fifth Schedule to the Customs Act, 1969, have been deleted to streamline and reduce the cost of exemptions. Regarding sector-specific changes, knitted fabrics will now attract a duty rate of 20% or Rs 115/kg, whichever is higher in textiles. Interactive Flat Panel Displays will attract a duty rate of 20% in electronics. Duty rates on motor vehicles for transport of goods and passengers have been revised in automobiles and duty rates on solar cells and modules have been reduced in solar energy sector. So fast as implementation is concerned, the changes are effective from various dates, including February 2, 2025, and May 1, 2025. The FBR has directed concerned officers and officials to carefully review the budget documents to avoid misinterpretation or misapplication of the budgetary measures. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Bangkok Post
4 days ago
- Bangkok Post
Two senior monks defrocked over sex videos
Two senior monks have been defrocked following the seizure of sex videos and over 80,000 images featuring sex between a woman and high-ranking clergy at well-known temples in Bangkok and other provinces. Officers from the police Anti-Corruption Division (ACD) set out on Wednesday to negotiate with senior monks who had allegedly been romantically involved with a woman to voluntarily leave the monkhood to prevent damage to the reputation of Buddhism. The sex scandal was exposed after ACD police recovered over 80,000 images and videos from five mobile phones belonging to the woman, identified as 'Sika Kor', depicting intimate affairs between her and senior monks at well-known temples. Authorities have so far identified eight monks, with three already confirmed to have violated monastic discipline warranting defrocking. The first location police visited was Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen in Bangkok, where officers sought to hold talks with Phra Thep Wachiwatheerakun, the assistant abbot. However, he had reportedly left the temple the day before and travelled to Chiang Mai. Authorities are coordinating efforts to locate him. Police later went to Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan in Muang district of Chachoengsao province to meet Phra Khru Siriwiriyathada, the assistant abbot. However, he too was absent when the officers arrived. He had reportedly left for a religious ceremony and had not returned. His vehicle was also missing, prompting a search to track his whereabouts. On Wednesday afternoon, Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat Pankaew, deputy commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), led a team to locate Phra Thep Wachiratheeraporn, the abbot of Wat Phra Phutthachai in Saraburi. The monk was intercepted in Samut Prakan while en route to purchase a new robe. After officers presented him with videos and images featuring him having sex with the woman, he agreed to leave the monkhood. He was taken to Wat Trimit in Bangkok to formally renounce the monkhood in front of the principal Buddha image. (Story continues below) Shortly afterward, police managed to locate the disgraced assistant abbot of Wat Paknam in Mae Taeng district of Chaing Mai. Phra Thep Wachiwatheerakun was at Wat Phrathat Sunantha at the time. The officers presented him with video evidence and urged him to show responsibility by leaving the monkhood. The senior monk agreed. Still at large is Phra Khru Siriviryathada of Wat Sothon. Despite the voluntary defrocking of the two senior monks, investigations into possible financial misconduct are ongoing, said police. Authorities are examining whether temple funds were misappropriated to support Sika Kor or for personal use, similar to the previous case involving Phra Thepwachirapamok, also known as Chao Khun Archawa, the former abbot of Wat Trisossathep in Bangkok. The senior monk, 54, suddenly left the monkhood for an unknown reason and fled to Laos.
Business Recorder
02-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
FBR abolishes ACD on imports under 0pc, 5pc and 10pc duty slabs
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has totally abolished Additional Customs Duty (ACD) on the import of goods falling under the customs duty slabs of zero percent, 5 percent and 10 percent from July 1, 2025. From July 1, 2025, the FBR has also reduced Regulatory Duty (RD) on the import of 1,022 items. In this regard, the FBR has issued two notifications here on Tuesday to implement customs tariff reductions. According to the officials, the overall goals of the National Tariff Policy 2025-2030, formulated by the Ministry of Commerce, are elimination of ACD in 04 years, elimination of RD in 05 years, complete phasing out of Customs duties exemptions under 5th schedule in 05 years, reduction of Customs Duty slabs from existing 5 slabs to 4 Slabs of 0%, 5%, 10% and 15%. National Tariff Policy: govt approves phased elimination of import duties The Budgetary changes in Additional Customs Duty (ACD) and Regulatory Duty (RD) introduced in the Federal Budget 2025-26 are closely aligned with the National Tariff Policy. These reforms aim at achieving simplified duty structure, reduction in costs of production for industry, and promote trade facilitation. By lowering ACD and RD rates on a broad range of goods – particularly raw materials and intermediate inputs – the policy seeks to ensure a more predictable and transparent tariff regime that supports industrial growth and encourages export-led growth. Recalibration of Additional Customs Duty (ACD) has been introduced through SRO 1151(I)/2025, replacing the earlier SRO 929(I)/2024. ACD has been removed entirely for goods falling under the 0%, 5%, and 10% CD slabs – except for some tariff lines which will continue to be charged ACD at 2%. For goods under the 15% slab, ACD has been reduced from 4% to 2%. For goods under the 20% slab see a reduction from 6% to 4%, 2% or 0%. For slabs above 20%, the ACD is lowered from 7% to 6%. These changes aim to bring parity in effective protection levels and lower the cost of doing business, especially for intermediate and capital goods essential to export-oriented and import-substitution industries. Under Regulatory Duty (RD) reforms notified vide SRO 1152(I)/2025 RD has been reduced on 1,022 PCT codes. This includes substantial reduction of 50% and 20% on around 1000 PCT codes. The maximum RD rate has been cut significantly from 90% to 50%, aligning with international trade norms and reducing excessive protection. The regulatory duties have not been completely removed for locally produced goods to provide protection to local industries. On more than 900 PCT codes of mainly consumer goods, RD has been retained at prior rates, officials added. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Kuwait Times
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait aims to turn ACD forum into international organization
KUWAIT: The 23rd anniversary celebration of the Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Forum was held in Kuwait and attended by heads of diplomatic missions and representatives of international organizations. Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs Ambassador Samih Hayat highlights Kuwait's leading role in fostering regional integration and inter-Asian cooperation.- KUNA photos KUWAIT: Kuwait is leading efforts to turn the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) into a full-fledged international organization, according to Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs, Ambassador Samih Hayat. The proposal, first introduced by Kuwait, was recently discussed at the ACD summit in Doha and received broad support from participating countries. Kuwait is now working closely with brotherly and friendly nations to advance this initiative and formalize the dialogue's structure and role. Ambassador Hayat made the announcement on the sideline of the 23rd anniversary celebration of the ACD, adding: 'As our cooperation with the Asia Cooperation Dialogue began in 2002, today, we celebrate 23 years of a platform that has united Asia's diverse cultures and regions through dialogue, mutual understanding, and shared development.' He mentioned that transforming the Dialogue into a formal organization would grant it greater international weight—particularly as it includes member states both from within and outside Asia—enhancing its diversity and expanding its global influence. Ambassador Nasser Al-Mutairi, Secretary-General of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) forum, stated that the proposal to transform the ACD from a dialogue platform into a formal international organization will be one of the central topics discussed during the upcoming ACD foreign ministers' meeting, scheduled for August in Bangkok, Thailand. Al-Mutairi noted that Kuwait has submitted a comprehensive working paper outlining its vision for this transformation. The proposal includes securing a stable and sustainable budget, boosting engagement from member states, and strengthening coordination with other regional organizations to avoid duplication and enhance complementarity. One of the key suggestions is also the creation of a dedicated think tank to explore mechanisms for institutional cooperation, especially considering the presence of similar organizations across Asia. Among other key agenda items is the discussion of the upcoming presidency, as Thailand's term comes to an end in December. A coordination meeting among the secretaries-general of these organizations is expected soon to align efforts. He also highlighted Kuwait's long-standing support for the ACD, noting that it currently bears the financial costs of the Forum's Secretariat, with some additional contributions from other member states. Kuwait has played a foundational role in the evolution of the ACD, having hosted the first ACD summit and initiated the creation of the Secretariat—just as it now advances the proposal to formalize the Dialogue as a fully-fledged organization.
